On Europe Day, May 9, the heads of foreign affairs ministries of the European Union countries will gather in Kyiv. This was announced by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on the French TV channel LCI.
"The foreign ministers of European countries intend to meet in Kyiv on May 9. I will definitely be there," Barrot said.
The French minister stressed that May 9 is sacred to Vladimir Putin's regime. It is on this day that Moscow traditionally holds a victory parade, which the Kremlin uses to demonstrate military power. However, this year, European diplomats decided to respond with a demonstration of solidarity with Ukraine - right in the center of Kyiv.
"On this day, Putin is planning a big celebration in Moscow - for them it is a day of victory. For us, it will be a moment of solidarity with Ukraine," Barro emphasized.
Meanwhile, some politicians from EU candidate countries have decided to join the celebrations in Moscow. In particular, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico confirmed that he will come to the Russian capital on May 9. He stressed that this visit does not mean support for Russian aggression.
Similar statements were made by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, who also announced his participation in the parade in Moscow, despite direct warnings from the European Union. EU High Representative Kaja Kallas has already reminded that any participation in such events will be taken "not lightly" and will have appropriate political consequences.
The meeting in Kyiv on May 9 is not just a symbolic gesture, but a political signal to Moscow that Europe has clearly defined whose side its foreign policy support is on. In a war situation, it is also an expression of support for Ukraine's sovereignty in the run-up to a potential escalation of hostilities in the summer season.
